Edible plant extract based insecticidal composition

Abstract

An edible plant-extract-based insecticidal composition comprises d-limonene, a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, and an amount of a polyethoxylated castor oil sufficient to solubilize the d-limonene in the hydrophilic solvent. The castor oil is both an emulsifier and an active ingredient having insecticidal efficacy. The insecticidal composition is non-toxic to humans and household animals.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An insecticidal composition consisting of:
 d-limonene, a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, and an amount of a castor oil sufficient to solubilize said d-limonene in said hydrophilic solvent. 
 
     
     
       2. The insecticidal composition of  claim 1 , wherein said hydrophilic solvent is water. 
     
     
       3. The insecticidal composition of  claim 1 , wherein said d-limonene is present in an amount of about 0.7% to about 20% by weight and wherein said castor oil is present in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight. 
     
     
       4. An insecticidal composition consisting of:
 d-limonene, a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, an amount of a castor oil sufficient to solubilize said d-limonene in said hydrophilic solvent and a preservative. 
 
     
     
       5. The insecticidal composition of  claim 4 , wherein said preservative is a food-grade preservative. 
     
     
       6. The insecticidal composition of  claim 4 , wherein said preservative is sodium benzoate. 
     
     
       7. The insecticidal composition of  claim 4 , wherein said d-limonene is present in an amount of about 0.7% to about 20% by weight, wherein said castor oil is present in an amount of about 1% to about 25% by weight, and wherein said preservative is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 5% by weight. 
     
     
       8. An insecticidal composition consisting of:
 d-limonene, a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, an amount of a castor oil sufficient to solubilize said d-limonene in said hydrophilic solvent, and sesame oil. 
 
     
     
       9. An insecticidal composition consisting of:
 d-limonene, a non-toxic hydrophilic solvent, an amount of a castor oil sufficient to solubilize said d-limonene in said hydrophilic solvent, and piperonyl butoxide.